Party to raise money for the Cowley Road Carnival

By
John Charlton

Oxford residents are invited to a musical party night to help raise money for the Cowley Road Carnival. The evening will feature the pulsating rhythm of Ran Kan Kan, Oxford’s Cubanista big band, and Brazilian samba beats with Sol Samba.

Formed in 2011, Ran Kan Kan have a growing following who delight in dancing all night to sophisticated tunes from the time when Cuban music ruled the world, and made famous by Buena Vista Social Club, Tito Puente and many more. This 20-piece band boasts horns, flutes and saxes, and a 5-person rhythm section, and lead singers Pancho Vera and Melisa Akdogan will not disappoint. That means fascinating rhythms, sumptuous melodies and stonking tunes, to please lovers of music and dance.

The band plays regular gigs at Old Fire Station and at local festivals including Cornbury, Wilderness, Wychwood, Oxford Common People and of course Cowley Road Carnival.

Lynn Taylor who plays with Sol Samba said: “Sol Samba brings the Brazilian carnival experience to Oxford with vibrant dancing and percussion to drive away the winter blues. Performing at the Cowley Road Carnival every year is the highlight of our gig calendar and we are proud to help support carnival in Oxford.”